During a press conference held at Ecuador Red Cross head quarters early today, Italian ambassador in Ecuador, Giulio Picirilli, officially donated 100.000 € to the appeal launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support the Ecuadorian Red Cross in assisting 5,000 people affected by the Tungurahua volcano eruption of 16 August.
"The Italian contribution shall be used, in particular, to provide the affected population with basic relief goods such as food packages, medicines, health kits and education kits" emphasizes the ambassador. The appeal aims to help vulnerable people in two of the most affected provinces - Tungurahua and Chimborazo. The funds will be used to provide essential relief for up to 1,000 families over the next four months.
The eruption left six people dead and many injured. Exact data of persons affected is still not available but it is estimated that more than 300,000 people suffered the consequences of the eruption.
The ambassador expressed concern at the long-term future of the victims of the eruption. "I am glad that the Red Cross is taking long-term responsibility in this devastated area" he said.
The president of the Ecuadorian Red Cross, Juan Cueva, thanked the donation that "is an expression of the trust that the Italian government has in our organization".
More than 1500 Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers have been involved in the relief operation so far. The national staff is supported by one international delegate deployed by the International Federation's Pan American Disaster Response Unit based in Panama and one Regional Intervention Team.
For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Mr. Lorenzo Morini - (00593 - 2) 2561 - 074/077 primoseg.quito@esteri.it